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Thursday, May 26, 2011

Getting to know you - Margit

Hello, hello! I'm really excited today because I've got a new round of interviews with crafty/creative people in the works. I hope you enjoy them! And I just want to throw this out there: if you make stuff, I would love to interview you too! Whether you've learnt to crochet or embroider, or maybe you've been doing it for years - it's all good. I want to know what inspires people and why they do what they do and that's what these interviews are about. You don't have to have 1000s of subscribers to your blog or been featured in magazines or even written a book. If you make stuff and want to share why.. that's what these interviews are all about: we're all unique and we all have a point of view which is usually interesting to others even if we don't think so ourselves. So: get in touch, let's talk! :-)

Right! On with the show - today I'm interviewing Margit, who is Danish too (yay!) and she is a really talented illustrator/animator. As you can tell from the images below; so cute! She also crochets, which she taught herself. She has a blog, Creative Tail, where you can read all about what she gets up to whether it's with a pen or the crochet hook.

Oh and I also want to mention, every month Margit makes a super cute calendar wallpaper (and I think there are print versions too) that you can download for absolutely free - check it out!

Briefly describe yourself and what you make
Born in 1983 - live in a little apartment with my husband. I work as an animator - and I love it. Make the characters from a 3D animated cartoon movie move all day. In my spare time I draw, crochet, sew, bake and spends a lot of time with friends and family.

Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by every thing around me - from the small birds outside the house I work in - all the way to high-end designers on the Internet.

When / how did you learn?
I have been drawing ever since I was a kid - went to a drawing school. I taught myself to crochet a few years back - just from random book and the Internet.

Why is making things by hand worth the 'effort'?
It’s relaxing - and it is a great to make something yourself - you can see and feel when something is handmade with love. If you do it for you and because you like it - it's always worth is.

What is your craft ”philosophy”?
Be creative, Be positive and spend the time with people you love.

Have you always made 'stuff'?
Yes - and I don't think I will ever stop - cant help it - ideas just pop up.

Can you reveal a little about your creative process?
It varies - sometimes I see something - it could be a kid at the zoo with a balloon - and I get an idea for a drawing - ends up as a little elephant dressed as a little schoolkid from the 50’s with a balloon. Or I feel an emotion and use it for a drawing. With drawings I make a quick little sketch - because your idea can easily fly away - just like a dream - then I make a real size one - on the computer or on paper. I clean it up and color it. The process is fairly simple - It's the great idea that takes time.

How do you deal with crafty mistakes? Are they mistakes?
I am not too worried about mistakes. What is a mistake anyway? It’s only a mistake if you try to repeat something and it ends up looking different. Work around it, leave it as it is or make a new.

Do you have a designated craft space? What does it mean to you?
It would mean a lot to have one - but I just have a little desk. I rarely use it - I use a lot of different places. The living room - the bedroom - the kitchen - it depends.

Do you use a sketchbook or journal?
I use my sketchbook a lot - for quick ideas and for sketching from real life. That is a nice break from designing something new. It’s relaxing to sit in the train and draw people or go to the zoo to draw animals.

Why is crafting good for you?
It’s good for me to get my ideas out. It’s a way to express myself and to show who I am. It’s also important for me to do something I like - to see a result. The joy of finishing something.

Is your art/ craft a business as well? Any advice on running an arty/ crafty business?
I work in a creative business - so you could say that is a business. Sometimes more than other times. I have
hobbies that overlap my work and interests. I will soon open a little online store - My only advice is - just get it out there.

What impact (if any) has the Internet had on your craft?
It means a lot! To spread the creative ideas all over the world - to shear ideas. Its easier for people to find your stuff.

Do you make art or craft? Is there a difference?
I make both. I would say that you can practice lot and be great at something - for me that is craft and you can sometimes make something unique - that would be art.

If you could make any project without limits to cost, materials or skill, what would it be?
One of my many dreams is to have a big garden one day filled with bushes and trees - shaped like animals.

Hi, I'm Carina. Welcome to my blog.
I am an embroidery designer, author and teacher.
On this blog I write about stitchy things, foody things, flowery things, sketchy things and other-y things.
I am also a Dane in the UK, vegan and a dog owner.
About me. FAQ about the blog.

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